Legacies of War continues to support UXO clearance in Laos

12/11/2022 10:14
Email Print 1402
KPL (KPL) The board members of Legacies of War and its community partners visited the Lao PDR to review efforts to remove unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Southeast Asian country.



Legacies of War team visits Xiengkhoung Province. Photo by Kayleb Lee

(KPL) The board members of Legacies of War and its community partners visited the Lao PDR to review efforts to remove unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Southeast Asian country.

The Legacies of War team visited Laos during Nov1-19, 2022.


Legacies of War team visits Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Kayleb Lee

“Legacies of War is an educational and advocacy organization working to address the impacts of American Secret War in Laos and military conflicts in the Southeast Asian region, including removal of UXO. We raise awareness of the history of bombardments carried out during the Secret War in Laos, advocate the healing of the wounds of war, and bring better hopes for a future of peace,” Executive Director of Legacies of War, Ms Sera Koulabdara told to media on Nov 9.

Photo by Kayleb Lee

Ms Sera Koulabdara and her team visited Xieng Khuang, Savannakhet, Champassak, and Luang Prabang to evaluate UXO clearance efforts in the provinces. 

“UXO problem has been in existence for a long time; too many innocent lives have been lost; too many farmers and children have been disabled; and their lives have been changed forever. But it is not too late to stop this senseless suffering,” said Ms Sera Koulabdara.

Photo by Kayleb Lee


“As a child in Laos, I was taught to walk on well-worn paths to avoid unexploded bombs left over from the Secret War. This tragic legacy must end so that people can live a new life,” said Ms Sera Koulabdara.

Since founded in 2004, Legacies of War has received increasing UXO clearance funding from the US government, from US$1.3 million in 2004 to US$40 million in 2021, and US$45 million in 2022.

Photo by Kayleb Lee

“In 2016, we worked in close partnership with President Obama’s team on this issue, and he recognized our founder during his historic trip to Laos when he announced a three-year-US$90-million commitment. We will continue working to ensure that the United States sustains funding for Laos until the problem is over,” she said.

Photo by Kayleb Lee


Legacies inspired President Obama's historic visit to Laos.

The organization has asked the US Congress to pass a USUS$80 bill for fiscal year 2023 for UXO removal and related efforts in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with Laos expected to receive US$50 million of the package.

Photo by Kayleb Lee


From 1964 to 1973, U.S. dropped more than 2.5 million tons of ordnance on Laos. This is equal to a planeload of bombs on villages and wilderness every eight minutes for nine years. Local accounts described the bombs falling like rain as they obliterated homes and killed Laotians.

In 2022, Legacies received the inaugural Humanitarian Award from the Lao PDR for its successful advocacy efforts.

KPL

ຂ່າວອື່ນໆ

    • Laos Hosts Live Broadcast of Victory Day Parade Celebrating 80th Anniversary of Russia’s Great Patriotic WarGeneral

      Laos Hosts Live Broadcast of Victory Day Parade Celebrating 80th Anniversary of Russia’s Great Patriotic War

      5/10/2025 2:15:00 PM

      In a show of solidarity and enduring friendship, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) hosted a live broadcast of the Victory Day Parade held in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of Russia. The event took place at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on May 9.

    • Lao PDR Advances Toward National One Health Action PlanGeneral

      Lao PDR Advances Toward National One Health Action Plan

      5/9/2025 10:48:41 PM

      The Lao PDR has taken a significant step toward developing a National One Health Action Plan with the successful conclusion of the One Health Situational Analysis Workshop held from April 28-30 in Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province The workshop, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, brought together key stakeholders to assess the country’s One Health progress and identify future priorities.

    • Honouring Lao Midwives: The Heroes of Maternal HealthGeneral

      Honouring Lao Midwives: The Heroes of Maternal Health

      5/9/2025 7:37:33 PM

      Today, on the International Day of the Midwife, we come together to acknowledge, recognise and pay tribute to the critical role of midwives in crises and their contribution to ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality, addressing unmet need for family planning and supporting women and girls sexual and reproductive health needs.

    • LBC and Laochaleun Square Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Movie-Going ExperienceGeneral

      LBC and Laochaleun Square Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Movie-Going Experience

      5/9/2025 7:27:07 PM

      Lao Brewery Company (LBC), the nation’s leading beverage producer, and Laochaleun Square Enterprise, the developer of the iconic Laochaleun Cineplex in Savannakhet, have officially entered into a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the cinema experience for moviegoers. The signing ceremony was held today at LBC’s headquarters, marking a new chapter in entertainment and hospitality in southern Laos.

    • Laos Celebrates World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and the Movement’s 162nd AnniversaryGeneral

      Laos Celebrates World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and the Movement’s 162nd Anniversary

      5/9/2025 10:15:44 AM

      The Lao National Blood Transfusion Institute and the Lao Red Cross organized a public blood donation event on May 8 at the Lao-ITECC Mall to mark the 162nd anniversary of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, under the theme: “Support Humanitarian Work.”


Top